The coffee shop claims it sees Starbucks as a role model and must call itself "dumb" for legal reasons

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Dumb Starbucks tweeted it was open for business on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014.

Is it real, fake, or just plain "dumb?"

The mystery of Southern California's latest coffee craze isn't about organic milk or Fair Trade beans, but rather, who exactly is running the "Dumb Starbucks" operation -- and how it's allowed to even exist.

Dumb Starbucks -- yes, you read that correctly -- popped up seemingly out of nowhere in the Los Feliz storefront that once housed the now-defunct Gastronomico.

"By adding the word 'dumb,' we are technically 'making fun of Starbucks, which allows us to use their trademarks under a law known as 'fair use.'"

The FAQ goes on to explain, "Although we are a fully functioning coffee shop, for legal reasons, Dumb Starbucks needs to be categorized as a work of parody art ... But that's for our lawyers to worry about. All you need to do is enjoy our delicious coffee!"

The company's FAQ also describes its admiration for Starbucks.

"We love Starbucks and look up to them as role models. Unfortunately, the only way to use their intellectual property under fair use is if we are making fun of them. So the 'dumb' comes out of necessity, not enmity."

Confused yet curious consumers took to Twitter as they lined up outside the coffee shop in question on Saturday and Sunday.